Monday, September 23, 2013

Surround yourself with cozy reds as you get prepared for the colder seasons to arrive. Midwinter Reds by Minick & Simpson for Moda Fabrics has arrived to keep you warm through the Winter months. Laurie, one half of Minick & Simpson, is here to tell you more about Midwinter Reds, so keep reading to feel the warmth.

Q:
Where did you find your original inspiration for Midwinter Reds?
A:
We went to the Infinite Variety Show at the Armory in NYC last spring. It was hugely inspirational.

Q:
What would be your collection’s theme song?
A:
Something very American. Maybe some Gershwin - a little bit classical - a little bit jazzy, and very dramatic.

Q:
Tell us about your background. How did you get into the fabric and quilting industry?
A:
We have always loved textiles. I've been quilting longer than most people have been alive and Polly has hooked rugs for many years and has collected antique textiles even longer. We had both been doing just our solo ventures into textiles when Polly was approached to do a book on her rugs and her decorating with quilts (mostly my quilts). That is the beginning. That book led to several more books and adventures and then Moda approached us about designing fabric with our Americana look. We have enjoyed it immensely.

Q:
What projects do you hope to see using Midwinter Reds? Quilts, apparel, accessories, home décor projects?
A:
Quilts of course. Polly's main quilt collections are two color quilts - I have many in blue and white, so I expect to end up with a great red/white quilt from this collection we love so much.Home Dec is obviously always our intention also. There is a wonderful collection of wovens with this group including some fabulous ikats. Nothing is more topical than ikats in home decorating right now.

Q:
Does your family give you input on your designs?
A:
Our families are very supportive and they know what long hours we put into our work. Time away from home is frequent in our industry. Travel is a perk and also a hindrance to home life.
It wouldn't be possible if we didn't have all their support.

Q:
What are some blocks or obstacles you encounter in your creativity, and how do you get past them?
A:
Writing patterns was a big obstacle. I couldn't understand how to get what was in my head into those paper sheets in a plastic envelope. Thankfully we have found someone who can help. I design old style - with a pencil and paper and lots of erasers. I often send drawings, sketches, sewn blocks, or the entire sewn quilt top to our pattern person, Lisa. She turns it into the pattern with the finished graphics and text. We then work together to proof read a pattern. That consists of basically - just making the quilt again - step by step with the written text as the guide and seeing if there are any mistakes. It is the biggest time commitment in our work.

Q:
What inspires your work?
A:
Everything. Really. You never know what will spark an idea. Travel and shopping seem to be the big ones for Polly and I.

Q:
What do you plan to make using Midwinter Reds?
A:
I've made all the quilts of course and they will all find a good use in my home. There is lots of red and white in my house. I LOVED making the scarves and look forward to fall when I can wear them.

Clermont Farms, Bar Harbor, Charlevoix...I've been a big fan of Minick and Simpson and their lovely fabrics for years.My guest room is decorated in Charlevoix, with one of my favorite quilts on the bed, and matching patchwork pillows.Midwinter reds is just beautiful. What room can I redecorate...

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